Habitat :Moist primary rainforests, especially along riverbanks and in swampy sites, occasionally flooded for short periods.

Cultivation :Tolerant of waterlogged soils and temporary flooding.

Etymology :Genus epithet 'Dracontomelon' derived from Greek terms for dragon (draco) and melon, a reference to the fruits. Species epithet 'dao' derived from vernacular name for this tree in Philippines.

Ethnobotanical Uses :Edible Plant Parts (Edible Leaves; Edible Flowers; Edible Fruits)Food (Fruit & Vegetable; Herb & Spice )Edible Plant Parts (Edible Leaves; Edible Flowers; Edible Fruits), Medicinal, Timber & Products[Others]: Culinary: Fruits edible, not popularly eaten in SE Asia, but relished and stewed in honey in China. Seed kernels mixed into tea to provide fragrant and mucilaginous sweet taste.
Medicinal: Leaves found to possess antiseptic properties against broad spectrum of bacteria. Fruits reportedly have cooling properties, used to treat sore throat, skin inflammation, itch, internal ulcers, as well as an antidote for poisoning. Bark boiled to make decoction drunk by women to expel fetal membrane from womb. Traditional beliefs suggest that holding a seed in right hand on odd days and in left hand on even days will accelerate childbirth.
Culture: Seed used as toys by children. Timber: Wood is soft, light weight and not very durable. Typically used for making furniture, veneer, panelling, flooring, matches and boxes.

The information given on this website has been compiled from reference works on medicinal plants and/or pron only. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Reliance on this information is strictly at your own risk. You should always consult your physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.